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Fork Safety and Inspection

Fork-arms used for lift trucks and construction machinery must be inspected at least once a year by a trained professional according to ISO 5057. The inspection checks for wear, surface cracks, blade deformation, heel angle, and issues with the marking, tips, suspension, and locking devices. Forks found to have cracks, wear exceeding 10% of the original thickness, a blade length difference over 3%, a heel angle over 93 degrees, or damaged suspension components must be replaced or repaired. Technical crack testing may also be required if cracks are detected. Defected forks should be promptly replaced or repaired by the fork manufacturer or a certified company to maintain safety and performance.

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Silmar Biazioli
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58 views

Fork Safety and Inspection

Fork-arms used for lift trucks and construction machinery must be inspected at least once a year by a trained professional according to ISO 5057. The inspection checks for wear, surface cracks, blade deformation, heel angle, and issues with the marking, tips, suspension, and locking devices. Forks found to have cracks, wear exceeding 10% of the original thickness, a blade length difference over 3%, a heel angle over 93 degrees, or damaged suspension components must be replaced or repaired. Technical crack testing may also be required if cracks are detected. Defected forks should be promptly replaced or repaired by the fork manufacturer or a certified company to maintain safety and performance.

Uploaded by

Silmar Biazioli
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Fork-arms

Safety & Inspection


Fork Inspection
for lift trucks and construction machinery
Lift truck details: Fork-arm details:
According to ISO 5057, forks in service must
(Make, model and/or capacity) (Wdith – Thickiness – Lenght) be inspected at least once a year by a
trained professional.

Internal control number/identification: Suspension type:

Inspection point Example Result


1. Wear
Original thickness (N) – 10% = replace ( ) ok
( ) not ok
Notes:
Measure the thickness on the back of the
fork (N) and compare with the heel area.

2. Surface cracks ( ) ok
Surface crack = replace ( ) not ok
- Check all welds Notes:
- Check heel area

3. Blade deformation / Tip alignment


( ) ok
- (d) < 3% of blade lenght = ok
( ) not ok
- (d) > 3% of blade lenght = replace or re-set
Notes:

4. Heel angle ( ) ok
- (d) = 560 - 570mm (A = 88,9 - 90,9°) = ok ( ) not ok
- (d) = 571 - 580mm (A = 91 - 92,9°) = re-set Notes:
- (d) > 580mm (A>93°) = replace

5. Marking, tips, suspension & locking devices ( ) ok


- Damaged locking system = fix or replace ( ) not ok
- Bent or deformed suspension = fix or replace Notes:
- Damaged tip = fix or replace

FINAL RESULT:
( ) Fork ok Notes: Inspected by:
( ) Fork not ok
( ) Replace
( ) Repair Date: Signature:
Fork Safety & Inspection
Industrial fork arms are an important safety item of your lift truck or construction equipment.

The points below will significantly reduce the life of the forks:
 Handling loads above the forks capacity
 Using only one fork to handle loads
 Applying side pressure/force on the forks
 Dragging the forks on the ground

VISUAL INSPECTION

Fork arms in service should be submitted to periodic visual and dimensional inspection.
MSI recommends the frequency as follows:
 For operations with 1 shift (up to 8 hours per day) = at least every 12 months.
 For operations with 2 shifts (up to 16 hours per day) = at least every 6 months.
 For operations with 3 shifts (up to 24 hours per day) = at least every 3 months.

The above intervals shall be reduced in case of suspected damage or severe working conditions.

INSPECTION PROCEDURE

1. Surface cracks: attention to all welds and internal heel area. Fork arms should be replaced if
surface cracks are detected.
2. Blade deflection or Tip height: the difference of tip heights can not exceed 3% of the blade
length.

3. Marking legibility: fork identification according to ISO 2330 should be easily legible. In case
of missing or unclear marking the fork should be removed from service.
4. Angle opening: the internal angle of the fork heel can not exceed 93°.
5. Locking & suspension devices: check if forks are securely locked to the equipment
carriage. In case of extra clearance or damaged attachments, the forks should be repaired.
6. Wear: the material wear on the heel area of the forks can not exceed 10% of the original
section of the fork. Capacity of the fork is drastically reduce due to material wear.
Fork Safety & Inspection
TECHNICAL CRACK TESTING

Traditional crack detection tests:


- Contrast spray
- Magnetic particles
- Ultra-sound

The above tests should only be carried out after a visual inspection has been carried out and a
crack indication is detected. Technical crack tests should be performed by a trained
professional.

Based on the ISO 5057, at any circumstance surface cracks can be repaired by welding.

FORK REPAIR AND REPLACE


Chart: Capacity X Wear
Defected fork arms should be promptly
replaced or repaired to maintain the
maximum safety and performance of your
machinery.
Fork capacity %

Fork repairs can only be performed by the


fork manufacturer or a certified company.

Always request the fork manufacturer


authorization before carrying any
modification or repair. Any modification
performed without authorization will cancel
the fork arm warranty.
Material reduction %
Be sure to replace the pair of forks, not a
single piece.

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